Top 10 EDC Pocket Pliers (For EDC, Toolkits, and Travel)

[@nbidnm]

Before you know it we'll all be running around with an EDC tool box strapped to our backs.

[@JohnLee-bf2ux]

😂😂

[@woguph]

If pliers are going to be part of my kit to replace a multitool the pliers have to have wire cutters that will at least cut barbed wire. In most of the USA you are going to come across old fences, tin cans, nails, old abandoned cars, farming implements, etc. Having a way to work the metal I find is important to me.

[@simonh6371]

That's a good point and the reason I have a Leatherman Rebar and Bond in 2 respective kits...but for urban EDC that's not a consideration and I get by just fine with the Knipex Cobra XS. In fact I'm more likely to have to turn bolts in urban situations and the Leatherman or indeed dedicated needlenose/bluntnose pliers can't do that effectively.

[@smokeybear390]

I think this is more for someone who needs heavier use, and likely both tools I’m a mechanic, having my leatherman and small channel locks on me has saved me many trips to the tool box Also why are you roaming around cutting up peoples fences? Sounds like you have no real everyday use for either, except cutting up wiring harnesses in abandoned cars?? And tin cans, I presume wildling some sticks while you’re at it

[@woguph]

@@smokeybear390, I hike in the woods. I run into a lot of rusted, downed old fences where the post have rotted away. No, I have never cut someone’s fence. I do look at those old fences as possible resources if needed the same way as I do other litter I may find. I try to be prepared so that I do not need additional resources.

[@patrickbledsoe2176]

Having built alot of fences personally ive not ran across a multi tool that would cut barb wire easily enough to even try again

[@simonh6371]

@@patrickbledsoe2176 The Leatherman Rebar replaceable wire cutters are pretty good.

[@Imurai]

I'm disabled. I wanted to state that first because A: my use case is special and B: some other fellow cripp..., errm disabled fella might come around and find my comment useful. So of course due to the hype, I got a Knipex Cobra 100. It's absolutely awesome if a bit fucking expensive (and that's in the EU, i can imagine what it costs overseas) I use it to open bottles (my grip is weak) and to pinch grip stuff. It usually overdoes its intended use by ripoping the packagin material I tried to carefully grip for example, but it really did help me retain my dignity in a lot of situations where I would have needed the help of others. I'd prefer it had cutters though.

[@bryanstone654]

Just used one to open a coke bottle

[@maxlvledc]

Thanks for your story and this info! Means a lot!

[@MegaDadof6]

Carry the 5 inch Knipex everyday, love the videos. Keep them coming.

[@the_once-and-future_king.]

I like that the Knipex needlenoses have that cut-out to hold nails so you don't hammer your fingers!

[@Capture_Torture_Liberals]

🤣

[@erickleinwolterink3524]

Been carrying a 6" long nose locking pliers for about two years while being a carpenter/service guy for windows and doors. It's a beautiful tool.

[@FirePrank6]

The 125 Cobra is totally superior than the 100, gives much fuller grip and the jaws are twice as wide. I can also say I actually stood on my 125s to loosen 1" conduit.

[@MrDkgio]

The jaws are not twice as wide, not even close, of course the leverage is better due to longer levers…

[@simonh6371]

No way. The XS Cobra open to 20mm. Even my OG West German CEKA water pump pliers which are 10 inches long only open to 25mm. As to leverage the Cobra XS jaws lock on to the object and you don't need to squeeze both handles, you just push down on the upper handle so you can get a lot of force on it. There's a vid of a guy with his Cobra XS locked onto a bolt protruding from a wall, standing on the upper handle.

[@CrimeVid]

The one thing I'll say is, that if you are concerned about a marring surface, you have no business taking any kind of plier anywhere near it ! I don't like the K 100's at all ! hands too big and the thin jaws move with any sideways twisting movement.

[@omicrondec]

Like most things tools, that depends... I have both and prefer carrying the 100 Cobra for it's very precise jaws and slim profile. The 125 Cobra is in my repair tool pouch, and I use it all the time around the house.

[@WheelchairGunfighter]

I agree with you about the mini Knipex. The locking adjustment is necessary. Unfortunately, my situation calls for me to EDC (no joke) 8 different kinds of pliers. I just need grabby tools all the time. The cornerstone is a full 10 inch set of Knipex pliers-wrench in a sheath from Etsy, which i recently swapped for the newer Klein version with the reversible jaw for pipe wrench'ing, which fits in the same leather. Obviously not everybody's cup of tea, so i don't know how helpful my opinion is. But, if there is a full-size set of anything that is worth the weight to carry in a sheath as an EDC, it is a good belt knife and a full size set of grabbies of some kind. If any of your viewers are in the same boat as me, something maybe nobody has heard of is a line of multi-purpose pliers made by Channellock, made for firefighters. I carry the Channellock 86 model on my wheelchair and man o man is that useful. Hard wire/high leverage cutters, pipe wrench jaws, flat jaws, gas shut off wrench, spanner wrench, and a hard use pry bar, all spring loaded. Dude, what a useful piece of kit! Anybody else looking for a multi-tool thats for extra-heavy duty, look at that whole line of pliers, the 80's series from Channellock. I think its like 85, 86, 88, and 89, but maybe theres more. Theyre all the same with different style plier heads.

[@WheelchairGunfighter]

Addendum: that suggestion is NOT a pocket carry item. Lol

[@maxlvledc]

Cool suggestions though!

[@G0ATHR0B]

Knipex Cobra 125 in a slip paired with a SAK Cybertool S or M have been my edc for the past 1-3 years. Love the Cybertool as it has an inline driver with interchangeable bits.

[@MINDL3SS]

When I saw the title I knew it was going to be a "Top Knipex pliers list". I've had the cobra pliers for awhile and are insane the amount of bite they can produce. I think I have seen you or someone talking about the small vice grips but I had forgot about them. I definitely want to pick a pair of those up with your good tip of making the notch. I have been carrying the xs cobra's a pry bar (with bit driver) and a Victorinox Classic along with some other odds and ends in my wallet and I have been enjoying it. Feels lighter than hauling a full sized multi tool around (possibly just because the weight is more distributed) and I have the advantage of having bigger dedicated tools for tasks. While its certainly nice to have everything compact into 1 item there is just something about having the dedicated toolset that just feels more useful for most small tasks to me. And I have a separate kit that I can grab for a little bit bigger tasks. Don't really know if it counts here but Irwin makes a 6 inch wire stripper ~$10. I cut an inch off the handles to fit my small kits and I have a good pair of strippers/cutters for small wire jobs. Anyways thanks for your time and the video. Looking forwards to some of the others in the series.

[@zeevyehuda2501]

I love my 4" vice grips, they always live in my backpack and I've used them so many times

[@HURTSWHENIPEE310]

Irwin made a vise grip version that has a built-in serrated knife and a screwdriver bit holder . I bough like 3 of then on ebay a while back...

[@stefan6316]

Interesting vid! You say that only the modded Irwin vice grips can hold a hex bit... So you did not know that you can hold a bit with the cobra xs, too? That surprises me. So... You can put a bit in the gap of that one leg. Just open the pliers a bit, insert the hex bit and pinch it by closing the tool! Genius, uh? Whatever... Cheers from Germany, bro!

[@maxlvledc]

do you have a picture?

[@simonh6371]

@@maxlvledc I know what he means. Basically he means wedge the bit at the top of the aperture or slot in the upper jaw/lower handle, in which you slide the lower jaw/upper handle to set the jaw opening size. Then slide the lower jaw/upper handle upwards to lock it in place. Then you have a flat driver with tons of torque. But obviously it lacks the capability of working as an inline driver in situations where you don't have space for that, and need reach. That's why I generally carry a Wera 813 bit driver handle too, with Knipex Cobra XS, and SAK for the other tools.

[@JohnLee-bf2ux]

But the Irwin would hold it indefinitely without you needing to apply any pressure.

[@normanedwards7220]

Thank you for your honest / unbiased opinions on the merits and failings of various products, I wish more reviews were like yours

[@lanedexter6303]

I went from the 100 Cobra to the 125. Currently rearranging EDC, trying to reduce. Trying SAK Ranger and Cobra 125, left Leatherman WAVE(with bit kit) and Proto 704 crescent at home. Found I needed to cut cord off a dead shop vac and didn’t have the cutters or even serrated blade of the Leatherman. And eventually, I’ll want one of those hex or torx bits again. Time to regroup. Lightening the load is hard.🙄

[@deykno87]

Get this man a million subscribers!!!

[@GMTD11]

I find recommendations for medical clamp are mor useful for myself. I do much of cleaning sewing/skiving machines and this type of clamps really can reach far parts of machine, without disassembling. And it’s make safe my fingers. I wish found one like fishing multitool with clamps, scissors, flat screwdriver, but can’t find in a local.

[@maxlvledc]

The Dr. Grips in the master list will be perfect then!

[@blarfroer8066]

One of my favourite pliers is the Knipex TwinGrip. I really hope they come up with a mini model, because the 200mm version is a bit large for EDC.

[@ruud6899]

Was thinking the same! A 125mm twingrip would be amazing

[@richmondstar4354]

Ived seen someone here on KZbin cut the handle shorter.

[@steppebro9275]

There are some smaller Engineer( or Vampliers) with the same kind of design

[@collinis1]

I hated the grip on the snap on slip joint very squishy and sticky. I ripped them off and polished the metal so it's smooth

[@goncalovazpinto6261]

I prefer to combine a pliers based multitool with the Knipex pliers wrench like you say at 7:50 I love the Bibury Pro, got 2 with the 50% discount (36€ each). Can't really understand paying 5x more for multitools with worse tool choices! A mini version of the Knipex Twingrip would be interesting too.

[@bpsdetailing8822]

Always carry the XS cobra and the 125 pliers wrench in my backpack. They are great!

[@RiderOftheNorth1968]

My EDC is a Knipex Cobra XS and a shortened Knipex 70-110 that is the same lenght as the XS and have rubber sleeves on the handles from some cheapo pliers from China. Together with this i carry a Prestacycle ratchet kit with selected bits and a Victorinox Farmer X. I feel confident in my abilities with this load out.

[@collinis1]

The knipex 6.25” needle nose locking plier is my go to picket locking pliers. Ut has by far the best tolerances of any locking plier I have come across, plus its only $20

[@maxlvledc]

which one??? whats the code?

[@stfloppy]

41 34 165 I'm guessing

[@NycXTool]

i have the 4" needle nose Irwin vice grips and love them. i also love the 6-7" channel locks

[@egonmilanowski]

I just wish the Knipex Cobra XS had wire cutters on it. They are otherwise amazing and a proper tool.

[@nitrorc4life1]

Bought a crescent set over a year ago, lower jaw broke first time using on a small 10mm nut not rusty or damaged, that sent me in the path and found knipex, carry a 125 or 150 or both daily, have several others and a set of 125 and 150 pliers wrench now, and will not look back

[@0shova]

My usual everyday I just carry a modified SAK with the pliers from the Deluxe Tinker in. I don't really use pliers much outside of actual DIY tasks, so they suit my needs just fine without taking up much space in the pocket.

[@Lysander_Spooner]

Damn you, I'm going to go broke watching your videos.😂

[@babydriver6860]

Leatherman Surge with Knipex Cobra and a pliers wrench.

[@JoseSalazar-ei1oy]

I tried the cobra knipex and wasnt that thrilled. I realized that I did not own but one needle set of pliers and rarely used it so I settled on regular channel lock pliers which I have used way more often.

[@tomt5745]

A vice grip is just perfect. Ugly as hell but so useful. Dont lose grip if one has to twist something. Second for me are the multi purpose pliers; hold, cut, strip cables, pull nuts :)

[@Tomasevics-qb3yt]

I use three knipex in my EDC. The Cobra 125, the Pliers wrench 125, and the Snipe Nose Side Cutting Pliers 125 (25 01 125).

[@ligitmuffin]

Have you seen the snap on 5 inch talon grips LN44BCFND or the 7 inch verson? Looks promising.

[@maxlvledc]

didn't I cover it in this vid?

[@ligitmuffin]

​@maxlvledc no this one is a 5 inch one basically the same as the ones you covered but an inch longer and needle nose.

[@maxlvledc]

@@ligitmuffin oh! Yea, it wasn't released yet

[@collinis1]

You should definitely look at the Fujita lightweight slip joint its bugger but very light Additionally, you should consider cutting down the handles on the knipex twin grip. I've tried plastidip to recoat the handles but I actually prefer putting heavy duty heat shrink tubing with integrated epoxy

[@maxlvledc]

omg..I should do that..the twin grip in a mini format would be killer!

[@andrewlacerenza667]

I agree the knipex plier wrench 125 is better than the 100. I personally prefer the same thing regarding knipex cobra pliers.

[@edcpirateknifeandtools]

At work I carry a Leatherman Wingman, the Knipex Cobra and Knipex wire cutter.

[@Spanky8402]

I have the Knipex 150 and the 125 cobra, and they are some of my most used tools. I use my multi tools more, since I have it on me for cutting grass and everything else, so I use what's on me, but some jobs, I have the Knipex in my pocket, or sheath and I grab them for plumbing and other carpentry tasks. They are amazing.

[@robertthorn9560]

Some firemen friends would take a pair of mini vice grips and replace the locking bolt with stainless steel eye bolt which makes adjustments lot easier especially with gloves. Great and informative vid...

[@Countryboy071]

I carry the Leatherman Arc, Knipex cobra 125 and small pair of vise grips.

[@tomturbuckle0076]

Great video. Way point survival has a series on Hobo edc. One item was pair of metal pliers with the end of one of the handles is filed down to act like a pry bar. I plan on experimenting with this idea myself.

[@CJ_Cornhole]

I have a set up that I thank alot of people don't realize you can do I carry a leatherman surge and a pair of knipex cobra 180 in a tale of knifes sheath I would love to be able to show you a picture of somehow

[@maxlvledc]

Email

[@bushleague3472]

I've been carrying the Cobra XS for a couple months, but am thinking about trying small slip-joints. I need wire cutters more than I would have though, and I think slip joints would be superior for unhooking fish, which the Cobra is not terribly good at.

[@duncdunc76]

I always have a set of 7" Knipex brothers, Cobra and Wrench, ready for work in my edc tool kit very close by for everyday work tasks. But I have to say they are always impressed when little Vice jumps out of my pocket with a helpful assist.

[@maxx620s]

Knipex cobra mini lives in my wallet next to a small screwdriver. I keep the 5 inch ones in my bag usually though as well

[@hificat101]

Nice video. I have your number 1, and now will be looking at adding 4" vice grips, and the locking smooth jawed Knipex. Don't know why, but I've decided I want to put together a mini tool kit. And by mini, I mean mini sized tools. Look forward to some mini ratchet reviews.

[@TylerSnyder305]

I personally think the Snapon 44acf is king of mini pliers Regular straight facing pliers are manditory for me, I've tried ignition pliers and such but they didn't work out for me. They proved to be terrible at the things i use my pocket pliers for. I like the Channellock 524, but the Snapon 44acf was the slightly more compact size. The cutters are basically nonexistent, but I haven't really needsd the cutters.

[@mauro12mdp]

a bit of a random question but how do you keep your tools so clean?

[@Levs0n]

I’m interested too, all of these tools look brand new!

[@maxlvledc]

its what happens when you have WAAAAAY too many things lol. I'm at the point that I can barely put enough wear on tools that they show. I rotate things often, but even then.

[@hellhound2260]

I think you should've mentioned 5" vampliers, very nice pliers.

[@snosov]

Talking about pliers - I hate that Leatherman phased out their MINI TOOL, actually I would buy one even if it has no any additional implements.

[@reedsponsler2563]

How did you mod the vice grips?

[@maxlvledc]

dremel with a cutting disk...took seconds.

[@Dr.Randy.Butternubs]

Channel Lock all the way

[@robbowman5857]

The vice grips are excellent, but they are probably the weightiest of the lot you have suggested. It's likely the only trade off, but not something I want to carry in my pocket

[@jakesnowake1]

The leatherman crunch is the way to go if you want to carry vice grips.

[@maxlvledc]

the 4" is actually much much lighter than the 5" version, under 3 ounces I believe.

[@robbowman5857]

@@maxlvledc ah, yes, I have the 5" at 160g or 5.6oz. Will have to find a set of 4"

[@duncdunc76]

The 4" really is a tiny titan of a tool. I used to carry the 5" as an edc companion to my Victorinox One Handed Trekker but it was a bit much pocket weight wise in summer short conditions. But the 4" form and weight is easy to carry year round imo. Such great versatile little edc tool.

[@matthewantonello5029]

the mini cobra offers something the others dont which is that it can competently operate bolts. your needle nose mutli tool pliers really cant do that but are decent for other pliers jobs. the main benefit is the mini cobra does it with the most insignificant weight cost that it can easily be carried as well

[@MattLitkeRacing]

Snap-on needs to make a 5” version of the LN46ACF / LN47ACF

[@inFALable]

They do now.

[@MattLitkeRacing]

@@inFALable I bought the set from my dealer as soon as they were available

[@jacobwright238]

I love your videos and how you put everything you need to now below🤘🍻

[@HWGAFoundation]

Whats next pocket edc microwave????

[@maxlvledc]

dont tempt me!

[@JohnLee-bf2ux]

For that kindly head to the RF radio shack community 😅

[@bruceevans8837]

4WR Vise Grip and half of a Leatherman bit kit with extension is part of my edc. You can clamp the extension into the jaws at any (almost) angle and deliver accurate non slip torque to a fastener. Torque a 1/2" fastener to 50 lb/ft and then try to remove and re-install to approximately the same torque with your choices there. The only one that will do it without absurd effort is the Vise Grip. They aren't sexy and nobody will be impressed with photos of your edc, but they straight up work.

[@JohnLee-bf2ux]

What is the best vice grip size that you recommend?

[@bruceevans8837]

@@JohnLee-bf2ux 4WR

[@tecnotrog1]

The Crescent pliers and my sak Spartan handle most situations I have

[@bilakos1987]

I wanna see the other pliers that didn't quite make the list. Surely something in there is useful enough to others. I carry a 6" Knipex bolt cutter. It's super useful to me, because I can cut with the tip, something my multi-tools cannot do. Great video, I have a few of these. I also saw Last Best Tool's video on that small Knipex plier. I'm waiting for the 185mm version of it to become more available. I'll think about the small one.

[@maxlvledc]

I linked the others..some wierd ones, plus a spring loaded one from snapon that I didn't show.

[@uzbeck2006]

Hey Dom, I'm flying spirit next week and I wanna bring knipex cobra xs size. Will it go through tsa??

[@markshane2686]

I like the Channellock 424 better than Crescent RT24

[@maxlvledc]

I found the stock surprisingly thin though.

[@markshane2686]

Amazon has them for $16, as of right now

[@jimmyross1672]

love the video keep on keepin on brother

[@HellYeahBigKev]

got some pliers in the car, work and in the house, not much point carrying them anywhere else.

[@divinamaruchi]

I wish someone came up with a mod to add wire cutting capabilities to the mini cobra... I´m sure some filing in the right spot would do the job, but I don´t want to risk ruining mine... 🤣

[@michaelbuddy]

swiss champ has pliers. they are small but do provide functionality.

[@ruud6899]

I found the Swisschamp too bulky for EDC

[@jakesnowake1]

I would love some 5 inch knipex twin grips until then i carry the cobra. Also If they could cut wire on the handle side that would be perfect.

[@sylviaj.figueroa4544]

I like the bag! 😄

[@m1571k0]

You surprised me!. I thought you were going to choose the Knippex Cobra 125 over the XS, because it is more robust while still being small. If Knippez Cobra had cable cutters they would be the perfect pliers.

[@maxlvledc]

truth, man..that would be amazing.

[@ruud6899]

Or a "true" 100mm COBRA. The XS is basically an Aligator instead of a Cobra.

[@MkGreene]

Those custom "Ny-pex" pliers are beautiful.

[@maxlvledc]

Ka-nip-ex is how all of their reps say it, so I say it that way.

[@MkGreene]

@@maxlvledc I never knew that that's how it's suppose to be said

[@fredzaphod9833]

It’s definitely Kuh ni pex the reps even use a mat on their desk that shows how it is pronounced

[@thinh_pham91]

Just got the Crescent. Build quality is far worse than I expected, feels like $4-5 tool, not $10. I'm still considering keeping or returning it since alternative options for the Knipex are not many.

[@MPD90]

Basically everything Knipex makes is perfect, but there's just something a bit special about Snap-On.

[@busman2050]

Yes the price!

[@bluefastturtle]

your pronounciation of Knipex is really perfect! greetings from Germany. 😊

[@maxlvledc]

I tried! I got in a good habit of saying it right a few months ago.

[@artemkanarchist]

Thank you for this video!

[@louzher6968]

Another great vid as usual. I was wondering if you've already done a vid about the best multitool pliers. Also, a vid suggestion would be a review of the Pichi titanium prybar multitool. It is super tiny and light, but has a knife, screwdriver that accepts 1/4" bits, and a wrench that automatically adjusts to the size of the nut (wondering if the wrench is any good.)

[@sda4jesus1]

Accidentally hit the thumb down button (HATE that!). Sorry. This is a great video, as is typical for your vids. Keep up the great work; your viewers/subscribers well appreciate it.

[@ToolTalkChannel]

I’m pretty sure you can just then hit thumbs up and it’ll change your “vote”(or whatever you want to call it). Just an fyi unless you actually wanted to leave the thumbs down, and wanted to rub it in! If that’s the case more power to ya… Cheers

[@sda4jesus1]

@@ToolTalkChannel I did hit the up button l, hoping it would reverse or cancel the other operation.

[@jwarehouse1]

Everyone should own the small Knipex Cobra......That 4 inch Irwin Vise Grip is nice. Another small option is the Wilde G250 is a 5 inch angle plier ....USA made.... The Utica/ Kutmaster Multimaster tool has been around for years.......Has tools in handle like Leatherman Crunch. Other side magnetic bit driver. Is a little bit bigger...good for a tool bag....but comes with a sheath. Also USA made...Can get one for under $50 if you search around....

[@maxlvledc]

added the WIlde G250! thanks!

[@jandbplumbing]

Erwin vice grip make multy tool

[@cooperdove9929]

Anybody who likes knipex is ok in my book

[@Rzut-Oka]

Zapomniałeś wyciągnąć z worka jednej sztuki.. Byłeś w sklepie i specjalnie kupiłeś to wszystko żeby zrobić ten materiał?😂😂😂 Następnym razem pokaż małe skrzynki narzędziowe edc 😂

[@believe722]

👍

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

KNIPEX 5 INCH FOR EDC.FACT (PLYERS WRENCH)

[@B-RaDD]

Algo

[@CatDaddySteve]

Knipex or nothing

[@MikeCzenkMD]

Snap On is never worth it. This is coming from someone who owns way to much.

[@mountainbearoutdoors]

given up on leatherman, have broken so many of their pliers, the warranty isnt worth shit when I need them to perform